Our School prides itself in having an inclusive ethos and provides a welcoming and supportive environment for all of our students and staff. As a result our gender balance figures are better than those for other Schools in our discipline across the UK. In line with our own aims to improve representation, progression and success for all, we are currently holding a Silver Athena SWAN Award.

First established in 2005, the Athena SWAN (Scientific Women’s Academic Network) Charter was a scheme aimed at recognising and celebrating good employment practice for women working in Science, Engineering and Technology (SET) in higher education and research. In 2005 the charter was expanded to include the arts, humanities, social sciences, business and law. It now covers gender equality more broadly - not just barriers to progression that affect women.

The Athena SWAN Charter covers women (and men where appropriate) in: academic roles, professional and support staff, trans staff and students

In relation to their: representation, progression of students into academia, journey through career milestones, working environment for all staff